Mainland services Included. Accommodation in selected hotels and rooms (tourist superior class). Meals are included according with the program. Transportation, Tours, Guide services. Bilingual naturalist guides for all activities. Private transportation. Pick up and drop off airport – hotel – airport. Entrance to the Train. Galapagos Islands services Included Accommodation in selected hotels and rooms. All meals (breakfast – lunch – dinner) are included according with the program. All land and sea transportation within the Galapagos during the program. Bilingual naturalist guides for each island and all activities (Galapagos National Park Certified). Excursions and visits during the program. Snorkeling Equipment (mask, fins, tube). Transfer Puerto Ayora – Isabela – Puerto Ayora by Public speedboat. Transfer Baltra – Puerto Ayora – Baltra (by truck or by bus depending on group size)

Quito – Cotopaxi National Park. Breakfast (B)

Early in the morning after breakfast, we will begin a full day adventure from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park. A trip along the “Avenue of the Volcanoes” along the beauties of the Andean landscape. In the morning driving through the Panamericana Hwy; our destination is no other that the world’s highest active volcano: Cotopaxi. With 5,897 meters high, Cotopaxi elegantly adorns the Cordillera Real of the Ecuadorian Sierra.

We will enter the Cotopaxi National Park for a close encounter with the Paramo biodiversity and a short ecological explanation. After a short hike, let the adventure begin! if the weather and the travelers physical conditions are appropriate, we will continue to the parking lot (4500 m. above sea level) in order to ascend the to the First Refugee of the volcano (4810 m. a.s.l). You can rest and eat some hot soup at the refugee or continuie ascent to the Glaciers.

Otherwise, if you feel like keeping it smoother, we can continue towards the road of the pine forest to the no less charming Limpiopungo Lake, located on the slopes of the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano. After a long day, we head into Riobamba city.

Accommodation in Riobamba city.

Day 3

Riobamba – Alausi - Train “Nariz del Diablo” – Quito, (B)

After breakfast, the guide will take us into Alausi town, where we will be able to take the Train on the route call “Nariz Del Diablo”; a tour where tourists can enjoy typical andean landscapes, culture, folklore and crafts.

Also, we will enjoy a magnificent work of engineering, exclusive in the world, for the unique zigzag shape of its construction. We will visit the Condor Puñuna Museum; take a coffee before we get back to the start point. The visit will take 3 hours at least, after that; the guide will take us back to Quito.

Accommodation in Quito.

Day 4

Transfer out - Quito – Galapagos Baltra - Isabela Island. (B) (L) (D)

Transfer out to the Mariscal Sucre Airport escorted by our guide to take the plane to the Galapagos Islands. Once on Galapagos our English speaking guide will be waiting for you at the airport in Baltra, who will then take you to the port of Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island) for lunch.

Afterwards, we will take the Public speedboat to Isabela (14:00), which lasts approximately two and a half hours. After arriving at Isabela, we will take a brief rest at the hotel and then head to the Flamingo Lagoon, which is the largest coastal lagoon found in the Galapagos and is one of the main reproductive sites for the majority of flamingos.

Accommodation in Isabela Island.

Day 5

Isabela Island: (Sierra Negra Volcano OR Tuneles) (B) (L) (D).

Early in the morning (8:00 am), after breakfast, get ready for the Sierra Negra Volcano hike (comfortable clothes, walking shoes and a light rain jacket are recommended). Make sure your camera is stored in waterproof bags, wear some sunscreen, bring water, and a hat! Yourself will prepare your box lunch at the hotel with the foodstuff of your choice.

We will then travel approximately 45 minutes by truck or bus to begin the 12 km hike (approx. 4 hours). The hike is long in terms of distance, but not very difficult as the inclines and declines are quite gradual. (There is an option to ride horses for an additional cost, if interested please let us know beforehand).

Sierra Negra Volcano has the second largest crater in the world, measuring approximately 6 miles in diameter and 300 feet deep. We will then reach Volcan Chico, which should provide a spectacular view of the islands.

Once we get back to the hotel we will take a short break to rest. In the afternoon, get to do some fine snorkeling in Concha Perla. Swim with sea lions, colorful varieties of fish and, with luck, sea turtles and rays. Return to the hotel to rest before heading to dinner at a local restaurant indicated by the guide.

OPTION 2: (Los Tuneles – extra cost)

There are two departure times for this tour, one at 08:00 am with return time at 13:00 pm approx., and one at 11:00 am, with return time at 16:00 pm. approx. The chosen departure time for your tour might vary; hence, you will be notified on the departure time for this day trip on the night before the tour.

Cabo Rosa aka. Los Tuneles is perhaps one of the most beautiful sights in the archipelago. Continuous volcanic eruptions petrified into tunnel-like lava formations right in the middle of the sea, and crystal clear turquoise water allows an amazing view of marine vegetation and playful sea lions.

The tour begins early at 8:00am via speedboat and the first stop is a small islet in the middle of the ocean, home to pelicans, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions. Finados snorkeling site is the next stop, where you can swim next to sea turtles, Tintoreras sharks (endemic to the islands), trumpet fish and surgeonfish. With some luck, eagle and golden rays will come to this site too.

Getting to Los Tuneles will take around 1 ½ – 2 hrs. Once there, the speedboat will navigate through various spots in and around the Lava Tunnels. Here you get the chance to do some more snorkeling and enjoy some short walks while observing the landscape and wildlife inhabiting the area. A box lunch on board will be provided for this day. Dinner will be served at the local specified restaurant.

Accommodations in Isabela Island.

Day 6

Isabela Island: Tintoreras Islet / Humedales Hike. (B) (L) (D)

After breakfasts, get ready to visit to Tintoreras Islet. Make our way to the dock of Puerto Villamil in order to embark on small speedboats (12 passenger capacity). After a short ride (approx. 20 min.) we will arrive at Tintoreras Islet. The name of the islet derives from the sharks that inhabit in the waters surrounding the islet, the famous white-tipped fins Tintorera Sharks. The islet is one of the most fascinating places on Isabela Island.

Galapagossea lions, marine iguanas,blue-footed boobies, Sally Lightfoot Crabs, sea turtles, pelicans, and Galapagos Penguins can all be found in this site. It is also one of main breeding sites for marine iguanas, and a great spot to get a close-up with them. After a hike around the islet, get back on the boat and cool off by snorkeling in the waters nearby. Swimming next to multicolor fish, starfish, sea urchins, and with luck manta rays, sharks, and sea lions is a major highlight in this excursion. After a fascinating experience we will return to the hotel for lunch.

In the afternoon, visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center of Isabela. Here you can observe a variety of species of giant tortoises. You will also hear how this center has successfully bred and raise the giant tortoises to preserve many endangered subspecies. Afterwards, we will visit the Wall of Tears(Muro de las Lagrimas).

Between 1946 and 1959 Isabela Island was used as a penal colony by the Ecuadorian government, and the prisoners were obligated to build this wall out of the sharp and hard volcanic rocks. The wall is 100 meters long and 7 meters high.

On the way back we will make a visit to a Lava Tunnel near the Wall- Visits to Mirador Orchilla, Estero de Isabela, and Playa del Amor are also programmed. We will then return to the hotel to rest before heading to dinner at a local restaurant specified by the guide.

At 5:00 a.m. we will prepare ourselves to go to the dock (wake-up at 4:30 AM). We will take the public speedboat, which leaves at 6:00 a.m. (subject to change), From Isabela to Puerto Ayora (2 hour and a half estimated travel time).

Upon arrival the guide will take us to eat breakfast, after which we will take a short rest before making our way to the Highlands of Santa Cruz. Here we will have the unforgettable opportunity to observe the famous Giant Tortoises in their natural environment, which also known as Galapagos, and it is from these wonderful creatures which the Islands derive their name.

We will also be able to see the famous Galapagos Finches, Bird Wizards, as well as endemic vegetation such as Escelacias forests and Matazarnos. After our incredible encounter with the Giant Tortoises, we will return to Puerto Ayora for lunch.

The afternoon before the guide will have indicated the hour to meet to begin the visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Here we will find a variety of Giant Tortoise representing their fellow specie of each island in the archipelago. We will also listen about the ongoing conservation efforts directed at preserving the Giant Tortoises, as well as the environment of the archipelago as a whole. After this we will make a short visit to the Art Galleries of Puerto Ayora and then eat lunch. Return to the hotel to rest before heading to dinner at a local restaurant indicated by the guide.

Accommodations in Santa Cruz Island.

NOTE: Destination depends on availability

Day 8

Transfer out Baltra Airport / Goodbye Galapagos! – Quito (B)

On the final day we recommend waking up at 6:00 am to have enough time to prepare ourselves for the transfer from Puerto Ayora to Baltra Airport. We will eat breakfast there, and then depart for Baltra where you will catch your return flight to either Quito or Guayaquil.

Depending on the time of the flights, we may be able to visit two sunken “holes”, similar to craters, known as “Los Gemelos” “Twin Craters”. (For this reason we recommend booking your return flight for the afternoon). These craters were formed by the collapse of the earth beneath which lava had passed and created giant tunnels, which facilitated the collapse and creation of the craters.

NOTE: Itinerary on Galapagos is subject to change without prior warning depending on seasonal changes, weather conditions, and adjustments in policies set by the Galapagos National Park, and other unforeseen circumstances that may arise.

In Quito Transfer in escorted by our guide.

Accommodation in Quito.

Day 9

Quito (B) – Coca – Napo River – River Cruise (L) (D)

Transfer out to the Mariscal Sucre Airport escorted by our guide to take the plane to the Coca. We will take a short 30-minutes flight, arriving into Coca city (Francisco de Orellana); transfer to Napo River port; journey by motorized canoe downstream (ninety minutes) to board the M/V MANATEE, all the while observing the ever-changing forest-clad riverbanks of the silty-brown headwaters of the Amazon River.

Soon after boarding, the M/V Manatee will start navigating downstream, a great opportunity for observing from our sundeck the amazing vegetation and wildlife of the region. After lunch, an initial outing on one of our trails will introduce you to the wonders of the tropical rainforest, an easy walk that will bring you to your first encounters with the Amazon Basin. After dinner, enjoy an optional nocturnal walk into the forest to discover the mysteries of this unique environment and see how life emerges in the dark right before your eyes.

Accommodation in Manatee Cruise.

Day 10

Manatee Cruise: Pañacocha Biological Corridor. (B) (L) (D)

After breakfast, we will continue our navigation downstream to the Pañayacu River delta; take a canoe trip up the river to experience the sights of this fascinating reserve. We will seek out Pink River Dolphins, Common Squirrel Monkeys and much more. Pañacocha (Piranha Lake, in Quechua) is an ecosystem flooded by white waters.

The rivers and lakes here are the perfect habitat for the infamous Piranha, as well as the Water Monkey Fish (Arawana) and White Caiman. After a refreshing swim (for the courageous!), we will enjoy a delicious Amazon-style BBQ meal and refreshing beverages at a nearby camping site. In the afternoon, we will head out on exploration trails, and return onboard for dinner.

Accommodation in Manatee Cruise.

Day 11

Manatee Cruise: Kury Muyu & Parrot Clay Lick. (B) (L) (D)

Breakfast served on board. This day, we will enjoy a cultural & ethnic encounter with the locals. We will spend some time at one of the forest communities to learn about their everyday lives. Take advantage to shop for local handcrafts and souvenirs. Later we head over to the Parrot Clay licks, a great place to witness one of the most exciting wildlife spectacles in Amazonia.

After lunch, explore one of our local jungle trails as we head to a most unique water museum, where you will learn about many of the creatures that inhabit this environment. After the visit, conditions permitting, paddle your way downstream back to the Napo and enjoy more opportunities to observe wildlife. Dinner served on board.

Quito – Historical Center - Middle of the World (B)

The guide will pick you up at the hotel to start this visit. The old Quito, step into the beautiful colonial churches and get some neat bites of history and art. Enjoy an amazing 360 degree view for Panecillo Hill. Move northern from the urban city towards the Middle of the World.

Don’t forget to take that classic shot on the Equator Line!. Step into the past wondering around Quito Historical Center. Its colonial legacy, idyllic reminiscence of older times, produces a very similar feeling to those walks on old European cities. No wonder why UNESCO named it World Patrimony; the plazas, baroque architecture and its more than thirty colonial churches – most of them dating 500 years old – will amaze you along the day.

We will start by visiting San Francisco Square and its church, the Independence Square and the main Cathedral, Presidential Palace, El Sagrario Church, and one of the best examples of the baroque movement in South America, La Compañía de Jesus. Golden leaf covered on the inside, a meticulous façade and the perfectly carved wooden door amuses its visitors every time. The strange fusion of different worlds and religions (Inca and European Catholicism) is perfectly perceived on the Colonial City.

After this enriching historic visit, we continue driving north 15 Km. from Quito towards the Middle of the World site. On the small citadel, we will visit the Middle of the World Monument, built in honor to the French Scientific Expedition (XVIII century) that tried to defined the location of the equator for the first time.

Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to visit the Inti Ñan Museum, a scientific and cultural museum located in the actual place where the Equator Line crosses. We will hit the road again to Volcan Pululahua’s view point before heading back to the city.

Accommodations in Quito.

Day 14

Quito – International Flight (B)

The Perfect Blend is a truly unique experience. All sites are equally beautiful and allow a close up with nature, historical architecture and local life. Make sure your read these trip tips to make your journey as smooth as possible!

Health (insects and malaria) Malaria and Yellow Fever have NOT been found in all parts of the jungle, but there’s still a risk, we recommen that all visitors to the Ecuador Amazon Rainforest take preventative medications, prescription anti-malarial drugs can administered by doctors at your home. Plan ahead and find out how long you will be in the jungle to ensure that you have the proper meidicine doese.

It is also recommended that you bring a personal first aid kit.

Climate Quito hosts a very variable climate. We highly recommended that traveler take small back pack to carry all needed. In the tropical rainforest it is best to be prepared for all kinds of weather. At times it can be hot and sunny, but a cool rainstorm may occur at any time Generally, driest months are between November and February, Wet months between April and July.

Drinking Water Do not drink water from the tab or shower, it is not safe for human consumption.

All the drinking water used for cooking and all drinks (including ice), is safe for human use.

What to bring?

Long sleeves, 2 or more

Comfortable pants, 2 or more (no jeans)

Shorts, 2 or more

T-shirts, 2 or more

Socks, one pair per day

Tennis shoes and / or sandals

Thick jacket and sweater

Biodegradable or natural Soap and shampoo

Swimsuit

Cotton Underwear (optional)

Glasses

Camera

Small backpack (waterproof)

Mosquito repellent

Bags for equipment, clothes, papers, etc.

Binoculars (optional)

Flashlight with extra batteries

Sunscreen

First Aid Box

Hat or cap

Plastic bottle

Notebook and / or book

Towel

Original Passport and / or identity card

Please be aware that the prices vary consistently due to promotions and Galapagos last minute deals, so in order to GET THE BEST PRICE for the dates you desire please fill out the request form below. After doing so, we will send you the absolute best prices for the dates that you indicate.